March Ski Breaks For All Budgets

The Tirol Tourist Board has chosen the best picks this March from UK tour operators, whether your budget is under £400 or over £1000.

Austria's SkiWelt

PRLog - Feb. 13, 2013 - Skiing is never going to be the cheapest holiday on earth but it needn’t cost a fortune either. The choice and variety of holidays on offer in the Austrian Tirol means there is something to suit all budgets. This season Austria represents fantastic value for money, from affordable mountain restaurants to competitive lift pass prices. And with amazing snow conditions at the moment, that’s something money can’t buy! The Tirol Tourist Board has chosen the best picks this March from UK tour operators, whether your budget is under £400 or over £1000.

UNDER £400 – SKIWELT AT YOUR FEET

Searching for a fantastic value and affordable skiing holiday with your friends? Then look no further than the Schindlhaus apartments in Söll, providing a perfect base to explore the SkiWelt. As Austria’s largest interconnected ski area, there are 279km of pistes to explore with flattering blues and reds, some great terrain parks and an exciting array of non-ski activities. Lively Söll knows how to party too and the apres-ski scene won’t disappoint! Directski (www.directski.com) has 7 nights at the self-catering Schindlhaus Apartments in Söll with prices starting from £344 (was £541) per person, based on 4 sharing, including flights from Gatwick and resort transfers. Departs 23rd March. For more information on the SkiWelt visit www.skiwelt.at

UNDER £500 – KITZBÜHEL IN YOUR REACH

Highly regarded as one of the most cosmopolitan resorts of the Alps, Kitzbühel offers extensive and varied terrain, a beautiful medieval town centre and a more sophisticated nightlife. Kitzbühel doesn’t have to come with the high price tag and there are plenty of affordable places to stay too. The 3* Hotel Strasshofer is ideally located in the heart of the pedestrianised centre and Thomson Ski (www.thomsonski.co.uk) has 7 nights, with prices starting from £445 per person (was £595) on half board, including flights from Gatwick and resort transfers. Departs 23rd March. For more information on Kitzbühel visit www.kitzbuehel.com

UNDER £600 – ALPBACH SPARKLES WITH THE NEW SKI JEWEL

The resort of Alpbach has been the name on everyone’s lips this season as the valley was lift linked with Wildschönau at the start of the season. The new ski area of the Ski Jewel was created, opening up a combined area of 145km of pistes. Any visitor to Alpbach can’t fail to be captivated by the traditional charm of the mountain village and the genuinely friendly locals who welcome you. Iglu Ski (www.igluski.com; 020 8544 6031) has 7 nights at the 4* Hotel Alpbacherhof on half board with prices starting from £539 per person (was £568) on half board, including flights from Gatwick and resort transfers. Departs 16th March. For more information on the Ski Jewel visit www.skijuwel.at

UNDER £700 – LAUGHING ALL THE WAY TO THE SLOPES

Fun and laughter will take over the resort of Mayrhofen as the Altitude Comedy Festival rocks into town from 18th – 22nd March. Curated by Andrew Maxwell, some the biggest names in comedy, including John Bishop, Marcus Brigstocke and Germany’s top comedian Michael Mittermeier will ensure you have all the entertainment you need to enjoy the ultimate skiing holiday. Crystal Ski (0871 231 2256; www.crystalski.co.uk) has 7 nights at the 4* Alpenhotel Kramerwirt in Mayrhofen on half board with prices starting from £686 (was £832) per person, including flights from Gatwick and resort transfers. Departs 16th March. Full Week Festival Wristband - £177.50. For more information visit www.altitudefestival.com or visit www.mayrhofen.at

UNDER £800 – SOLD ON SӦLDEN

Sölden often gets overlooked by Brits but has much to offer. An excellent late season snow record, extensive slopes with some challenging areas, an efficient and speedy lift system, and a broad choice of mountain restaurants are just some of the reasons to add Sölden to your must-visit list. There is also the terrain park above Giggijoch, Swatch Snowpark, and a really lively après-ski scene too. Neilson (www.neilson.co.uk; 0844 879 8155) has 7 nights at the 4* Hotel Tyrol in Sölden, with prices starting from £674 (was £825) per person, including flights from Gatwick and resort transfers. Regional departures available at a supplement. Departs 16th March. For more information on Sölden visit www.soelden.com

UNDER £900 - EASTER ACTION IN ST CHRISTOPH

Aim high this Easter and make the most of the spring skiing conditions in the ski-in-ski-out resort of St Christoph. Situated in the famous Arlberg ski area, the resort offers some of the most exciting skiing in the world. Inghams’ 4* Chalet Hotel St Christoph is a superb accommodation choice thanks to its location and facilities, including a lounge area with bar and a swimming pool with scenic mountain views. Inghams (www.inghams.co.uk; 01483 79 11 11) is offering catered accommodation at this property from £871 per person. Price includes 7 nights, return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck, resort transfers, breakfast, afternoon tea/coffee and cake, 4 course dinner with complimentary wines, tea/coffee and chocolates. Departs 30th March. For more information on St Christoph and the Arlberg ski area visit www.stantonamarlberg.com

OVER £1000 – TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN IN ISCHGL

If you want to travel at Easter and aren’t just motivated by price then Ischgl would be a great choice. Following tradition, Ischgl’s Volkswagen Mountain Move will host the legendary ‘Top of the Mountain’ concert, which takes place on Easter Monday, 1st April. With the line-up to be announced shortly it serves as a teaser to the grand finale end of season concert with Deep Purple, taking place on 30th April 2013. Located high in the Paznaun valley in the heart of the stunning Silvretta mountains, Ischgl is just as famous for its nightlife scene as it is for its extensive high altitude skiing and snowboarding. Ski Total (www.skitotal.com; 01483 791933) has 7 nights at the Chalet Abendrot in Ischgl with prices starting from £1039 per person, including flights and resort transfers. Departs 31st March. For more information on Ischgl visit www.ischgl.com

For more information on the Tirol region www.visittirol.co.uk or keep updated at www.facebook.com/visittirol